Virginia Standards of Learning Covered in this Unit
3.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which
a) observations are made and are repeated to ensure accuracy;
b) predictions are formulated using a variety of sources of information;
c) objects with similar characteristics or properties are classified into at least two sets and two
subsets;
d) natural events are sequenced chronologically;
e) length, volume, mass, and temperature are estimated and measured in metric and standard English
units using proper tools and techniques;
f) time is measured to the nearest minute using proper tools and techniques;
g) questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
h) data are gathered, charted, graphed, and analyzed;
i) unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized;
j) inferences are made and conclusions are drawn;
k) data are communicated;
l) models are designed and built; and
m) current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.
3.6 The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems support a diversity of plants and animals that share limited resources. Key concepts include
a) aquatic ecosystems;
d) the human role in conserving limited resources.
3.8 The student will investigate and understand basic patterns and cycles occurring in nature. Key concepts include
a) patterns of natural events such as day and night, seasonal changes, simple phases of the
moon, and tides;
3.9 The student will investigate and understand the water cycle and its relationship to life on Earth. Key concepts include
a) there are many sources of water on Earth;
b) the energy from the sun drives the water cycle;
c) the water cycle involves several processes;
d) water is essential for living things; and
e) water on Earth is limited and needs to be conserved.
3.10 The student will investigate and understand that natural events and human influences can affect the survival of species. Key concepts include
a) the interdependency of plants and animals;
b) the effects of human activity on the quality of air, water, and habitat;
c) the effects of fire, flood, disease, and erosion on organisms; and
d) conservation and resource renewal.
a) observations are made and are repeated to ensure accuracy;
b) predictions are formulated using a variety of sources of information;
c) objects with similar characteristics or properties are classified into at least two sets and two
subsets;
d) natural events are sequenced chronologically;
e) length, volume, mass, and temperature are estimated and measured in metric and standard English
units using proper tools and techniques;
f) time is measured to the nearest minute using proper tools and techniques;
g) questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
h) data are gathered, charted, graphed, and analyzed;
i) unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized;
j) inferences are made and conclusions are drawn;
k) data are communicated;
l) models are designed and built; and
m) current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.
3.6 The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems support a diversity of plants and animals that share limited resources. Key concepts include
a) aquatic ecosystems;
d) the human role in conserving limited resources.
3.8 The student will investigate and understand basic patterns and cycles occurring in nature. Key concepts include
a) patterns of natural events such as day and night, seasonal changes, simple phases of the
moon, and tides;
3.9 The student will investigate and understand the water cycle and its relationship to life on Earth. Key concepts include
a) there are many sources of water on Earth;
b) the energy from the sun drives the water cycle;
c) the water cycle involves several processes;
d) water is essential for living things; and
e) water on Earth is limited and needs to be conserved.
3.10 The student will investigate and understand that natural events and human influences can affect the survival of species. Key concepts include
a) the interdependency of plants and animals;
b) the effects of human activity on the quality of air, water, and habitat;
c) the effects of fire, flood, disease, and erosion on organisms; and
d) conservation and resource renewal.